Do you like order and form and have a small space for a meditation garden?
Here's a photo and description below of how I created a quiet place to meet those needs!
Some ideas for features:
1. A Garden statue for inspiration.
2. Specimen winter-hardy plants. The grasses I used here survive all year at the 50th latitude.
3. A water feature. I cheated with this and created a dry stream bed and dry pond to mimic the real thing. I dug out the ground and laid in two sizes of stones: 2" white round pebbles and then I ringed the pond area with larger rocks about 6" in diameter. I used the largest rocks on the ground before I laid the ground cover to make the scene look more natural; like a forest setting.
4. A ground cover to keep weeds down and provide an orderly appearance. I used a medium size bark mulch.
5. For seating, I created a little enclave alongside the garden in a 6' length. I doubled the width of an already present aggregate pathway from 3' to 6' in that section and sat a lawn bench on it - facing the garden.
I really love sitting in my little garden, relaxing and feeling the peacefulness of just being mindful of the moment. Mindfulness, moment to moment, is a meditation practice in itself!
As this little garden is tucked in the back corner of my yard I can sit there unseen and undisturbed. Even in winter I go out and sit on the bench in the early afternoon - as weather permits. If it is very cold I take a walk as I've written about here.
And if you have space for a larger meditation garden here is a garden plan layout that may be suitable.
Whatever time of year, whatever space you have outdoors - even if just a balcony or patio - isn't it invigorating to spend some quiet minutes meditating in the outdoors!
Meditation Garden - Design, Layout, Planting
Build a Green Roof Meditation Garden
Build a Meditation Path in Your Garden
Article and photo credit - Susan Helene Kramer
For offline reading
Meditation Lessons for AdultsMore than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.
Meditation for all KidsSitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.
